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Experienced Galway hurling goalkeeper James Skehill has quit the squad just weeks into the new season.

The surprise decision came before their Allianz hurling league loss to Kilkenny at Nowlan Park on Sunday, with Skehill deciding to quit after training on Friday night.

The Cappataggle clubman had been first choice stopper for the past two seasons after returning from a serious shoulder injury, however, Skehill was battling with Colm Callanan for the number one shirt for the Tribesmen this year .

Skehill’s sudden departure forced Galway to call up Aidan Ryan as Callanan’s cover for the 2-16 to 1-16 defeat at Kilkenny on Sunday.

Galway selector Damien Curley said the Tribesmen were staggered by the news.

“There is no real spin to put on it at all, James just told us after training on Friday night that he wanted to leave the panel," said Curley.

“We spoke with him and tried to talk him round, but he was adamant he wanted to leave.”

Skehill started both of Galway’s All-Ireland finals against Kilkenny in 2012, but picked up a shoulder injury in the final training session before the replay. Despite dislocating his shoulder Skehill was declared fit for the second game but was forced off at half-time.